OH, THE FUN YOU’LL HAVE AT LAKE WHATCOM

A guide to help you decide your next adventure at the lake

Project by Aislinn Jones, Briana Tuvey, Maylis Laverne & Miranda Grogger

The Lake Experience

Figuring out your next outdoor adventure can be tedious and daunting, so we scoped out the lake’s parks, trails, restaurants and water accessibility so you don’t have to. The photo galleries, video and map detail exactly what to expect at each spot so that you can be informed about your decision for your next excursion to Lake Whatcom.

Lakewood

Video by Maylis Laverne
Owned and operated by Western Washington University, the Lakewood Watersports Facility at Lake Whatcom offers all the equipment you might need to have some fun exploring the lake, and most of the equipment comes at no cost to Western students and low cost for students at Bellingham Technical College, Whatcom Community College and Northwest Indian College. In this video, one of the student employees at the facility breaks down what is offered and some insight as to why renting through Lakewood is a good way to explore the lake, especially for students and alumni.

Points of Interest

Map by Aislinn Jones

Take a (nature) walk

There are plenty of parks and hiking trails around the lake and most are in close proximity to each other, with multiple trails sharing the same trailhead. This photo gallery highlights a few of the trails and parks so that you can see what to expect and get outside to enjoy the nature that the area surrounding the lake has to offer.

Bloedel Donovan Park in Bellingham, Wash., begins to get its lively feel as summer approaches on May 14, 2024. The park has a wide variety of amenities to offer the public including but not limited to, BBQ grills, boat/SUP rentals, restrooms and outdoor courts. // Photo by Maylis Laverne

Children play on the Bloedel Donovan Park playground in Bellingham, Wash., on May 14, 2024. The park opens every morning at 6 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. //Photo by Maylis Laverne

As the clouds disperse the sun begins to shine on the green grass at Bloedel Donovan Park in Bellingham, Wash., on May 14, 2024. Picnic tables for public use can found throughout the park. // Photos by Maylis Laverne

A woman calls for her dog’s attention while walking toward the volleyball courts at Bloedel Donovan Park in Bellingham, Wash., on May 14, 2024. The park allows off leash dog walking before 10 a.m. every morning. // Photo by Maylis Laverne

The sun peeks through the clouds at Bloedel Donovan Park in Bellingham, Wash., on May 14, 2024. The park offers a variety of activities for all. // Photo by Maylis Laverne

A map of all the trails at Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve near Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, Wash., on May 3, 2024. The Preserve comes with multiple trails ranging in length and elevation. // Photo by Briana Tuvey

A waterfall peeking through the trees at the end of the Waterfall Trail at Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve near Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, Wash., on May 3, 2024. Waterfall Trail is one of the shortest trails that comes with a view. // Photo by Briana Tuvey

The entrances Waterfall Trail and Rufus Creek Trail at Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve near Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, Wash., on May 3, 2024. Rufus Creek Trail is one of the longest trails that leads to the higher trails on the mountain including some of the biking trails. // Photo by Briana Tuvey

The trailhead of Chanterelle Trail around Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, Wash., on 15 May, 2024. This is one of the many bike-friendly trails in the area. // Photo by Miranda Grogger

The trailhead for Hertz trail on Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, Wash., on May 15, 2024. ]This trail provides ADA parking and meanders around the lake. // Photo by Miranda Grogger

The boardwalk connecting Hertz trailhead to the other Chanterelle Area trailheads in Bellingham, Wash., on 15 May, 2024. This .25 miles trail provides a short scenic walk down to Lake Whatcom // Photo by Miranda Grogger

A view from one of the many water access points off of Hertz trail on Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, Wash., on May 2, 2024. // Photo by Miranda Grogger

The trailhead of Wickersham truck trail near Lake Whatcom In Bellingham, Wash., on May 2, 2024. This trailhead is blocked to cars but open to pedestrians. // Photo by Miranda Grogger

The shaded trailhead of the Y road trail in Bellingham, Wash., on May 2, 2024. // Photo by Miranda Grogger

Two equestrians work on training one of their horses at the trailhead of the Y road trail near Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, Wash., on May 2, 2024. // Photo by Miranda Grogger

The Euclid Park sign at the trailhead on Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, Wash., on May 1, 2024. Euclid is a quiet park for those who want a moment of peace. // Photo by Briana Tuvey

The view from a small beach at Euclid Park on Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, Wash., on May 1, 2024. The beach has a small bench for sitting and relaxing while enjoying the view of Lake Whatcom. // Photo by Briana Tuvey

A short trail at Euclid Park on Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, Wash., on May 1, 2024. Euclid Park comes with a couple mini trails lined with large green trees. // Photo by Briana Tuvey

Take in the views from the fairway

Nestled right on the lake sits all 18 holes of Sudden Valley Golf Course.

The front 9 borders the lake while the back 9 reaches up the ridge into the hill. Offering memberships, public prices, senior discounts and other fees for additional services, such as carts or the driving range, everyone is welcome to enjoy the views and play some golf.

This photo essay shows why Sudden Valley Golf Course is unique and an important addition to Lake Whatcom’s recreation.

Guests and golfers are welcomed by a large wooden sign at the Sudden Valley Golf Course’s entrance in Bellingham, Wash., on May 3, 2024. // Photo by Briana Tuvey

The clubhouse viewed from the 18th hole in Bellingham, Wash., on May 3, 2024. This building contains the pro-shop, El Agave restaurant, and the golf carts available for use. // Photo by Briana Tuvey

A flowing fountain in the back nine holes in Bellingham, Wash., on May 3, 2024. The fountain serves as a home for fish and wildlife, and added challenge for golfers. // Photo by Briana Tuvey

A local golfer makes his shot at Sudden Valley in Bellingham, Wash., on May 3, 2024. Many of the golfers are Sudden Valley residents but the course attracts avid golfers from greater Whatcom County and beyond. // Photo by Briana Tuvey

A view of Lake Whatcom from the Sudden Valley Golf Course in Bellingham, Wash., on May 3, 2024. This hole is during the first nine and gives golfers a chance to enjoy the views of Lake Whatcom. // Photo by Briana Tuvey

A worker gathers up range balls at Sudden Valley Golf Course on May 3, 2024 in Bellingham, Wash. // Photo by Briana Tuvey

A view from the top of hole 15 at Sudden Valley Golf Course in Bellingham, Wash., on May 3, 2024. While the front nine holes are primarily flat, the back nine contain more hills to navigate. // Photo by Briana Tuvey

Austin Creek meanders its way through Sudden Valley Golf Course in Bellingham, Wash., on May 3, 2024. This creek can be spotted from multiple holes at Sudden Valley. // Photo by Briana Tuvey

Get your grub on

It is essential to refuel after physical activities on around the lake. After all, who doesn’t love a special treat? The few restaurants scattered around the lake have you covered for whatever food you’re feeling after kayaking, hiking or golfing.

The street sign for The Fork at Agate restaurant on Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, Wash., on May 2, 2024 // (Photo by Miranda Grogger)

The front door at The Fork at Agate restaurant on Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, Wash., on May 2, 2024 // (Photo by Miranda Grogger)

The bar at The Fork at Agate Bay restaurant on Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, Wash., on 02 May, 2024. // Photo by Miranda Grogger

A dining table in The Fork at Agate restaurant on Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, Wash., on 23 April, 2024. // Photo by Miranda Grogger

The front counter at Tino’s located near Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, Wash., on April 23, 2024. Get pizza by the slice or whole. // Photo by Briana Tuvey

The vintage coin-operated video game in the lobby of Tino’s pizza and pasta co on Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, Wash., on April 23, 2024. // Photo by Miranda Grogger

Outside LakeLine, a small coffee and cocktail bar near Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, Wash., on April 23, 2024. This restaurant has beautiful views of Lake Whatcom right outside their door. // Photo by Briana Tuvey

The coffee counter at Lakeline Cafe on Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, Wash., on 23 April, 2024. After promoting for nearly a year, Lakeline opened in early 2024. // Photo by Miranda Grogger

A look into the booths at El Agave located in Sudden Valley Golf Course in Bellingham Wash., May 3, 2024. Views of the golf course can be seen from inside the restaurant. // Photo by Briana Tuvey

Seating inside El Agave located in Sudden Valley Golf Course in Bellingham Wash., May 3, 2024. This family-owned restaurant is a great place to stop by after golfing at the Sudden Valley course. // Photo by Briana Tuvey